What Jeep CJ models exist and what years were they made?

The Civilian Jeep (CJ) line spans several models: the CJ-5 ran from 1954 to 1983, the CJ-7 from 1976 to 1986, and the CJ-8 Scrambler from 1981 to 1985. All were produced under AMC ownership before Chrysler discontinued the line in 1987 and replaced it with the Wrangler YJ. CJ models use round headlights and a flat windshield design that heavily influenced all later Wrangler generations.

What axles did the Jeep CJ come with from the factory?

Most CJ-5s and early CJ-7s used the narrow AMC 20 rear axle and Dana 30 or Dana 44 front axles depending on trim. The AMC 20 is known for a two-piece axle shaft design that is a weak point for off-road use. Many CJ owners replace the AMC 20 with a Dana 35 or Dana 44, or swap in a Ford 8.8 for improved strength and parts availability.

Are aftermarket parts still available for vintage Jeep CJs?

Yes. The CJ has a dedicated restoration and trail-build community that supports a healthy aftermarket. Bumpers, lift kits, body panels, roll cages, and driveline components are available from specialty suppliers. Soft top replacements and door surrounds are widely reproduced. BlackDogMods carries a selection of CJ-compatible parts for owners keeping these classic Jeeps on the trail.

How much lift can you put on a Jeep CJ?

A 2 to 2.5-inch lift is common on CJs for running 31-33 inch tires. Larger lifts up to 4 inches are achievable but require driveshaft lengthening and sometimes a steering correction kit due to the CJ's short wheelbase and factory caster angles. Body lifts of 1-3 inches can also be added to gain tire clearance without affecting suspension geometry.

Jeep CJ

The Jeep CJ is where it all began. From the CJ5 that launched in 1955 to the longer-wheelbase CJ7 and the rare Scrambler CJ8, these vehicles defined American four-wheel-drive culture across three decades before the Wrangler name arrived in 1987. Today, CJ owners face a unique challenge: the vehicles are old enough to need genuine restoration work, but they’re cherished enough that no one wants to cut corners. BlackDogMods supports the CJ community with over 120 products covering CJ5, CJ7, and CJ8 applications from 1955 through 1986, including exterior body panels and trim pieces, replacement soft tops and bikini tops, classic-style bumpers with modern construction, vintage-inspired decals and emblems, and lighting upgrades that respect the original aesthetic. Whether you’re putting a tired CJ7 back on the road or building a full-on vintage off-road machine, having quality sourced parts makes all the difference. Browse the CJ catalog at BlackDogMods and give your classic the restoration it has earned.

Showing 1–99 of 126 resultsSorted by latest